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I once lost a whole afternoon listening to Sony's fantastic PHA-3 headphone amp/DAC — easily among the best I've ever heard. But let's be honest, it's a lot more amp than some people will want to invest in. Thankfully, Sony has an outstanding, more budget-friendly alternative for those of us who simply want way better sound from our smartphones, tablets, portable music players, and computers, along with the luxury of enjoying that sound wherever we go. Say hello to the sleek, compact PHA-1A.

A portable high-res powerhouse

I once lost a whole afternoon listening to Sony's fantastic PHA-3 headphone amp/DAC — easily among the best I've ever heard. But let's be honest, it's a lot more amp than some people will want to invest in. Thankfully, Sony has an outstanding, more budget-friendly alternative for those of us who simply want way better sound from our smartphones, tablets, portable music players, and computers, along with the luxury of enjoying that sound wherever we go. Say hello to the sleek, compact PHA-1A.

Small enough to take almost anywhere, this beautifully made little amp connects between your music player's or computer's digital output and your headphones to deliver the serious punch and clarity your tunes deserve. And for high-res music lovers, the PHA-1A can even decode PCM digital audio signals up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution, so you can enjoy better-than-CD audio quality. Its rechargeable battery supplies the power you need to pump out bigger, bolder sound for up to six hours at a stretch. Your favorite headphones will jump to attention, surprising you with greater bass impact, musical detail, and forceful dynamics.

Versatile connectivity and sturdy construction

The PHA-1A works with a wide array of devices. Its three separate USB ports give you a direct digital connection for your iPod®/iPhone®/iPad®, Hi-Res Walkman®, a PC or Mac®, plus a charging port. This allows the Sony to bypass the DAC in your player or computer, and decode your tunes with superior audiophile-quality precision.

Built like a Swiss watch, this Sony's rugged aluminum enclosure protects the precision circuitry inside from outside interference and impacts. The recessed volume knob reduces the chance of accidental level changes during playback. Plus, a built-in gain switch around back makes it easier to match the amp's output to a wide variety of headphones — from highly sensitive in-ear monitors to big, high-impedance power hogs.

Product Highlights:

battery-powered portable headphone amplifier with built-in USB DAC

decodes PCM digital audio sources up to 24-bit/192kHz

gain select switch provides compatibility for a wide range of headphones and earphones

Average Review:

I found Pete very helpful with placing my order. The Sony PHA-1A portable headphone amplifier made a big difference when listening to headphones.
The music came alive when using my
Apple iPod and I phone 7. The highs and bass where much improved. Thanks Crutchfield for the fast delivery

Sony PHA-1A

I recently purchased the Sony PHA-1A. I have this coupled with the Sony NW A35 a hi-rez player. I was a bit skeptical that this would significantly improve the sound. However, I was pleasantly surprised. The Sony PHA-1A provided more detail and clarity. Everything sounder deeper, more open and focused. If you really enjoy listening to headphones with a hi-rez player for with an iPOD, I would highly recommend this.

Pros:

Cons:

1 of 1 found this helpful

A Must for Portable Music!

I've been looking for something to give the music on my phone and Ipod (yes, I still have one) a little more backbone. The Sony PHA-1A is exactly what I've been looking for. It's small enough to be easily carried around but it produces a BIG sound. Paired with good headphones it will totally change the way you listen to your music on the go.

Pros:Makes portable music sound better
Easy to carry with your mobile device
Holds a good charge

Cons:A little expensive (but you get what you pay for)

2 of 3 found this helpful

Sony PHA-1A

I own both this Sony and also the Teac. They are both terrific pieces of equipment and greatly enhance the listening experience and I actually recommend both. However I will give a slight edge to the Sony in that it does provide an even clearer and more precise interpretation of the music I listen to (mostly classic rock) and it seems to do a slightly better job in the upper frequencies. It is also a great deal lighter than the Teac and seems to charge a bit quicker. But I don't think you can go wrong with either DAC. They both make the listening experience through a good pair of headphones better than any pair of floor speakers I have owned.

Sony PHA-1A

I found Pete very helpful with placing my order. The Sony PHA-1A portable headphone amplifier made a big difference when listening to headphones.
The music came alive when using my
Apple iPod and I phone 7. The highs and bass where much improved. Thanks Crutchfield for the fast delivery

Pros:

Cons:

3 of 3 found this helpful

Sony PHA-1A

I have been living with a SONY PHA-1A for about a month now and it has been an excellent purchase for what I needed. I was looking for an outboard D/A converter that would work with my I POD for mobile use as I have an I DAC for home use and wanted the same quality sound in the car or anywhere else I was at, including work. I was not disappointed as it gives me the depth and accuracy of sound I have been looking for. I have an Audio Quest Dragonfly with Jitterbug that I use mostly at work and with my I pad and new I pod with the lightning input but finding something to work with the older I pod 30 Pin connector was difficult. Thank you Sony and B&H. I have found something I have been seeking fro quite a few years. This is one of the best purchases I have made in a long time. I don't leave home without it.

Hands-on research

Product Research

Features

Overview: The Sony PHA-1A is a battery-powered portable DAC (digital-to-analog
converter) and headphone amplifier that lets you listen to high-resolution audio
up to 192kHz/24-bit
through your headphones. You can connect a PC, an iPod/iPhone/iPad, or a high-res
capable Walkman or Xperia to the unit using one of the two USB inputs.

Aluminum Construction: The PHA-1A features a compact
aluminum enclosure to protect the inside circuitry and components.

Connections: The PHA-1A has two USB digital inputs: a Type A USB
port for connecting an
iPod/iPad/iPhone (with the device's cable), and a Micro-B USB for connecting a
PC. An extra pin beside the Micro-B USB accommodates the supplied cables for connecting a High-Res
supported Sony Walkman or Xperia. Another Micro-B USB, labeled "DC In 5V", is
provided for charging the built-in battery using the supplied cable. The front panel features
a stereo 3.5mm
headphone output that supports impedances from 8 to 600 Ohms. The output is
compatible only with 3-pole stereo miniplugs. For this reason, in-line and
on-board headphone remote controls will not work.

Controls: The front-mounted large power/volume control knob
with plenty of headroom to let you set the volume just where you want it. A
2-position gain switch (normal/high) on the side lets you match the headphone
amp to various headphone impedances.

Lithium-ion Rechargeable Battery: The PHA-1A is powered by a built-in
3.7-volt Lithium-ion rechargeable battery. Battery life is approximately 6 hours
(operating at 1 mW+1 mW output). The battery charges in approximately 6 hours via USB when connected to a PC. With the optional AC-UD10 USB AC
adapter, charging time is only 2 hours.

Compatible Devices: The Sony PHA-1A is compatible with a wide variety
of devices (click
here for the latest list). With two USB inputs, it can connect to most
computers, iPhone/iPod/iPad, and select Sony portable digital audio devices:

Computer: The unit can play digital audio files stored on your
computer. The unit includes a Micro USB cable for connecting it to your
computer's USB Type A port. The PHA-1A is compatible with the following
Operating Systems: Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7 (SP1), Windows Vista (SP2), and Mac
OS X 10.6.8 or later. Note: For Windows PCs, you must first install the driver software "Sony
Portable Headphone Amplifier USB Audio 2.0 Driver" before connecting the
PHA-1A. Playing high-resolution audio files on your computer may require you
to download and install "Hi-Res Audio Player" software to your computer.

iOS Devices: The PHA-1A is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod.
The Type A USB input is provided for connecting the i-device using the USB cable
provided with the device. The digital audio data from the device is transferred
directly to the DAC, and bypasses the device's internal DAC. On most iOS
devices, the maximum resolution played through the PHA-1A is 96kHz/24-bit
PCM. Compatible models
include:

Silicone Belts: The PHA-1A is designed to allow you to
conveniently attach your portable device to the top. Two silicone rubber bands
are provided to strap your portable to the headphone amplifier, and a silicone
rubber pad helps to prevent scratches.

Specifications:

Frequency Range: 10 Hz - 100 kHz

Distortion: 0.01% or less (1 kHz)

Supported Impedance: 8Ω - 600Ω

Maximum Input: 1 Vrms (Audio in)

Maximum Output (with built-in battery):

148 mW + 148 mW (8Ω, 10% distortion)

80 mW + 80 mW (32Ω, 1% distortion)

16.4 mW + 16.4 mW (300Ω, 10% distortion)

Our Product Research Team

At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to find elsewhere. That's because we have our own in-house Product Research team. They verify what’s in the box, check the owner's manual, and record dimensions, features and specs. We stay on top of new products and technologies to help people make informed choices.

Q & A

Customer Q&A

Crutchfield askedWhy did you buy this?

Combination of price, portability and it seems like it will suit my needs
[ Donald Aug 16, 2018 ]

I have a Sony Hi Res Walkman
[ Avinash Aug 08, 2018 ]

Have only heard good things about Sony amps and am going to make the leap and try out one for myself!
[ Austin Jan 17, 2018 ]

2 questions already asked

I have to be honest and say I have not tried to do so! But I must say that the time to charge the device on a portable charger I purchased (Insignia NS-MAC2U2NW) is shorter than the Teac (HA-P50) that I also own. And although both devices are outstanding at what they do, the Sony seems to have a longer battery life.
[ elmer Feb 18, 2018 ]

No, only 48/44.1 on iOS/iPods. See the link to the Sony site for supported devices on their detail tab.
[ ACH Dec 31, 2015 ]

We have not received any answers from other customers on your question. I would recommend reaching out to an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat. They should be able to help answer your question.
[ Krissy Oct 09, 2015 ] Staff